Here's how you can navigate a career change into Business Innovation.

Considering a career change can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it's into a field as dynamic as Business Innovation. This field is all about developing new ideas, products, or methods that can drive a business forward. It requires a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and a willingness to take risks. If you're ready to pivot your professional path and dive into the world of innovation, understanding the landscape and preparing accordingly can make your transition smoother and more successful.

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1 Assess Skills

Before you leap into Business Innovation, take stock of your current skills. This field often demands a mix of creative thinking, problem-solving, and technical knowledge. Reflect on your experiences and consider how they might translate into innovation roles. For example, if you've worked in marketing, your insights into consumer behavior could be invaluable. Additionally, soft skills like communication and collaboration are essential, as innovating often involves leading teams and pitching new ideas.

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Jerome Patrick Jr

Practice Social Business Intelligence at United States Postal Service | Lifelong Learner and Designer of Products
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One thing that I found helpful is gaining insights into myself. This involved assessing my skillsets, what I desired to do, and how I fit in the marketplace. Sometimes family, friends, and coworkers can be helpful in this process. I also took personality tests, such as the Principles You assessment by Ray Dalio and 16Personalities website test. Taking stock of this data I discovered I'm entrepreneurial. I love solving problems through designing products. I'm also passionate about the brand experience.

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2 Learn Basics

To navigate a career change effectively, you must understand the basics of Business Innovation. This includes familiarizing yourself with concepts like design thinking, lean startup methodologies, and agile project management. These frameworks can help you to develop and implement innovative ideas efficiently. You don't need to become an expert overnight, but a foundational knowledge will enable you to speak the language of innovators and collaborate effectively with teams in this space.

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Jerome Patrick Jr

Practice Social Business Intelligence at United States Postal Service | Lifelong Learner and Designer of Products
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One thing I found very useful is leveraging online learning. A lot of the information is ready and available, in some instances it is free. Programs like IDEO Design Thinking or Seth Godin's Alt MBA are helpful programs for understanding design thinking and the marketing of products. The Project Management Institue also has a great program to understand project basics.

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3 Expand Network

Networking is crucial in any career change, but especially so in Business Innovation, where connections can lead to new opportunities and insights. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and connect with professionals in the field. Through these interactions, you can learn about the challenges and trends in innovation, discover potential mentors, and perhaps even find job openings. Remember, the value of networking is not only in what you can get but also in what you can offer to others.

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4 Gain Experience

Hands-on experience is invaluable, so look for ways to get involved in innovation projects, even if it's outside of your current job scope. Volunteer for cross-departmental initiatives at work, or consider side projects or freelancing to build a portfolio of innovative work. This practical experience will not only enhance your resume but also give you a taste of what it's like to work in Business Innovation, helping you decide if it's the right fit for you.

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Johannes Antoni

Senior Innovation Consultant | Ex-BCG
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In addition to gaining practical experience, consider documenting your journey through a blog or vlog. Sharing your experiences and insights can help build your personal brand and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and innovation.

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5 Educate Continuously

The field of Business Innovation is constantly evolving, so continuous learning is key. Invest in your education by taking courses in innovation management or related subjects. Online platforms offer a wealth of knowledge that can be accessed flexibly around your current commitments. Staying abreast of the latest trends and technologies will not only bolster your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to prospective employers in the innovation space.

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6 Brand Yourself

Finally, as you prepare to transition into Business Innovation, it's important to brand yourself accordingly. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Craft a narrative that connects your past roles to your future aspirations in innovation. Be proactive on social media by sharing articles and your thoughts on industry developments. This personal branding will help you stand out and show that you're serious about making a mark in Business Innovation.

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Jerome Patrick Jr

Practice Social Business Intelligence at United States Postal Service | Lifelong Learner and Designer of Products
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One of the things I found helpful in my journey is creating a space for my work to live online. If it's your LinkedIn profile, share your casework there. Having a personal website is helpful as well. Lastly, being active online and pushing the conversation in your desired works is helpful.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can navigate a career change into Business Innovation.

1

2

3

4

5

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7

1 Assess Skills

2 Learn Basics

3 Expand Network

4 Gain Experience

5 Educate Continuously

6 Brand Yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Innovation

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Here's how you can navigate a career change into Business Innovation.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Skills

2 Learn Basics

3 Expand Network

4 Gain Experience

5 Educate Continuously

6 Brand Yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Innovation

Rate this article

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